Panic set in when he realised one-year-old Moetu was still inside. He ran back into the room three times but was unable to breathe and started to panic.

“After getting the kids out I couldn’t find my baby girl and I was at the front door screaming to get help.

“I started to feel around the bed for my daughter and I got singed. I couldn’t see anything but I felt sparks flaring out of the mattress. I was really starting to lose the plot then. Really starting to fear for my baby girl’s chances then.”

Mr Ahpene said his eldest daughter started the fire playing with a cigarette lighter.

Comments on this story

Marns of Reedy Creek Posted at 3:47 PM July 12, 2014

You can not put any blame on anyone for this tragedy! It was a terrible accident! Yes, maybe it could of been prevented in a lot of circumstances. Terrible incidents occur everyday and we all go through the what if's, but's, and why??? Sadly all you can do is move on. I really feel for this man and I hope he finds some closure. My heart and thoughts are with the whole family. God bless you little Moetu, you are in gods care now. Rest in peace little angel.

steven seriously Posted at 1:02 PM July 12, 2014

Downstairs? At a relatives place? What the heck? Going throu a firebug stage? Kids as young as one left alone. Ill tell ya right now the babys sister isnt responsible for this.